Maple Ridge, B.C., Dec. 4, 2024 — The City of Maple Ridge is wrapping up the first phase of a significant pedestrian safety initiative, including installing new safety features at 29 locations and over 20 locations planned in 2025 to create safer and more sustainable ways for residents to get around.
Key Safety Enhancements for Pedestrians
As part of the first phase of the Crosswalk Enhancement Program the City is installing solar-powered, pedestrian-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at 21 locations identified as high-traffic or safety-priority areas, such as schools and community centres.
In addition, Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) signals will be activated at eight intersections with traffic signals this year. LPI’s are a proven traffic safety measure that provide pedestrians with a head start to cross before vehicles move, improving visibility and reducing risks. LPIs are part of a growing trend in Canadian municipalities to enhance pedestrian safety.
“As the days get shorter and the weather becomes more challenging, these new safety measures and more planned for next year will help ensure that our pedestrians are seen,” said Mayor Ruimy. “We are committed to making sure that Maple Ridge remains a safe and livable place for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving. We would also like to remind everyone to do their part – be cautious and alert while on the roads."
Revised Pedestrian Crosswalk Evaluation
The completion of these upgrades follows a technical assessment of our current practices, resulting in a revised approach to evaluating new and existing crosswalk locations.
Key improvements include:
- Evaluation of New Crossing Locations: Evaluated using national best practices from the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide. Key criteria include pedestrian and traffic volumes, crossing demand, proximity to existing crossings, and nearby land use.
- Evaluation of Existing Crossing Locations: Enhanced with RRFBs at high-priority sites based on pedestrian and vehicle volumes, as well as network connectivity.
Crosswalk Enhancement Program Continues in 2025
With 29 crosswalk upgrades completed this year, planning is underway to install safety features at over 20 new locations in 2025. This comprehensive program emphasizes safety, sustainability, and accessibility for all road users.
Request Pedestrian Safety Improvements
Residents can help identify areas that could benefit from improved pedestrian safety features by submitting requests online at MapleRidge.ca/Report. Requests will then be considered based on the evaluation criteria and the other locations that have been prioritized..
For immediate streetlight concerns, contact:
- City Public Works-Operations: OperationsCentre@MapleRidge.ca
- BC Hydro (wooden pole lights): Contact BC Hydro at 1-833-828-2224.
- TransLink traffic signals (Golden Ears Way): Miller Capilano at 1-866-918-1010 or Info@MillerCapilano.ca
For more information about the City’s pedestrian safety improvements, please visit MapleRidge.ca/CrosswalkProgram2024.
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For additional information, contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 467-4319 C 778-955-4249
E PPurewal@MapleRidge.ca